The Graduate Center Foundation was established in 1983 as an independent not-for-profit entity that is committed to promoting and safeguarding the success of the Graduate Center. As the sole channel for contributions to the programs, centers and institutions of the Graduate Center, the Foundation works with the President and Provost of the Graduate Center on institutional priorities such as student housing, career planning and collaborative research, and with program leaders on targeted scholarships and stipends, travel and conference aid, and communicating to and from alumni. The Foundation also manages and invests donations for use by the Graduate Center, and has built up a fund of approximately $40 million under management as of this year.

THE GRADUATE CENTER FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Foundation's Board of Trustees, now chaired by Craig Kaplan, is composed of business, philanthropic and foundation leaders primarily but not exclusively from New York City, to serve as advisors to the President of the Graduate Center. Its Executive Director, Jay Golan, serves concurrently as the head of the Graduate Center's Office for Institutional Advancement. The Board works to support the Graduate Center financially, through managing funds it has generated, and contributing and aiding others' contributions to Graduate Center priorities and interests. The Board also works to achieve a special familiarity with Graduate Center activities, allowing it to collaborate on projects to heighten the visibility of the Graduate Center and to raise awareness of the Graduate Center's contribution to higher education and to the vitality of the culture.